Arby’s celebrates 50th anniversary

CHAMPION, Ohio (WKBN) – A well-known national fast food chain is celebrating a milestone birthday. Arby’s, which opened its first store in Boardman, turns 50.

CEO Paul Brown said he hopes to continue the Arby’s tradition in the Valley and put more money into the stores they already have here.

“We hope to continue to build a few restaurants and certainly remodel a few restaurants here,” Brown said. “It is the birthplace of the brand, and some of our oldest restaurants are here. I think it is time to reinvest and hopefully turn it into a great representation of the Arby’s brand.”

The restaurant in Champion is one of the first Arby’s in the country to be remodeled with the company’s new look.

A big part of the Arby’s franchise is its philanthropic spirit. Robert Lynch, with the Arby’s Foundation, said the restaurants become a gathering place for people and in turn that creates a sense of community.

“Arby’s being the first national sandwich chain to be franchised across the country, we had a lot of communities that we wanted to give back to, and that is really what started it all,” Lynch said.

Cindy Hergenroder has been the manager at the Arby’s in Alliance for 34 years. She said support from the community and the corporation has kept her in the business.